2024 was an amazing year for video games, and 2025 looks just as promising. We can expect to see the return of beloved game series, the release of sequels fans have been waiting for, and plenty of exciting new games vying for our attention – and our money!
The video game industry often plans releases about six months in advance, leading to a busy first half of the year with many highly anticipated titles. January to March is usually packed with major releases that, ideally, would be spaced out over twelve months.
The good news is you can already reserve many of these popular items! Plus, if you order now, you can snag great prices, especially with Amazon’s price protection policy.
These special collector’s editions are likely to sell out fast, so if you really want one, now’s the time to use those gift cards and pre-order!
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Early 2026 Heavy Hitters (January – March)
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon (January 15, 2026)
$59.99 | PREORDER NOW AT AMAZON
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Switch 2, Switch, PC
If you’re already a fan of the Trails series, you’ll want to buy this game immediately. If you’re new to the series, prepare to find out why JRPG fans are so passionate about it! Trails Beyond the Horizon is the sequel fans have been eagerly awaiting, and it’s sure to deliver.
This game offers a complex and engaging story that will really make you think. You’ll likely find yourself taking notes and mapping out connections between characters – it’s that intricate! It’s a great choice for players who want a game that challenges them and assumes they’re smart.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (January 22, 2026)
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2
Square Enix is smartly releasing Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo’s new console, and it includes special bonuses based on Magic: The Gathering. If you’ve been waiting to play Cloud’s updated adventure on the go, now’s your chance. The game’s appeal to fans of the original makes it a great game to pre-order, and you can already find it listed on Amazon.
Code Vein 2 (January 30, 2026)
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Lots of people are really excited about action games that combine the look of anime with the challenging gameplay of the Souls series. The first Code Vein game did well because it was difficult, but fair, and had a cool style without being over-the-top. If you found games like Dark Souls too frustrating but enjoyed the basic idea, Code Vein 2, particularly the Ultimate Edition, is definitely worth checking out.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined (February 5, 2026)
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, PC
The new version of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined isn’t just a touch-up – it’s a complete remake. This classic JRPG always had great gameplay, and now it finally has the visuals to match. You can pre-order it on Amazon now.
Nioh 3 (February 6, 2026)
Platforms: PS5, PC
Team Ninja has a reputation for quality, and Nioh 3 looks set to continue that trend as a fantastic action RPG. The special SteelBook edition will likely be highly sought after later on, so pre-ordering might be a good idea. If you love challenging combat and don’t mind learning through trial and error, you’ll be completely hooked on this game in February.
Resident Evil Requiem (February 27, 2026)
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, PC
Get ready – the next Resident Evil game, Resident Evil Requiem, is coming to Raccoon City and looks like it will be a major release in early 2026. Preorders are already available with special editions and exclusive items on Amazon, and it’s still months away! This game is shaping up to be a huge event for gamers.
If you’ve been watching Capcom’s recent success with remakes, you know they’ve been doing a fantastic job bringing classic games back to life. Now, they’re taking on their most famous game world yet!
Pokémon Pokopia (March 5, 2026)
Platforms: Switch, Switch 2
Okay, so a new Pokémon game is definitely on the horizon, and it feels like perfect timing with the Switch 2 coming up. Nintendo needs some big games to launch the new console, and a really fresh Pokémon experience could be exactly what does it. I was surprised to see ‘Pokémon Pokopia’ pop up for preorder on Amazon already – that tells me Nintendo is super confident about this release, and honestly, I get why. It’s exciting!
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake (March 12, 2026)
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, PC
Survival horror games are popular right now, and the remake of the classic Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly is coming out at the perfect time. The original game was truly scary, and modern horror games often try to recreate that feeling with mixed results. But this remake, with its updated graphics, is incredibly promising.
007: First Light (March 27, 2026)
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, PC
It’s a perfect fit that IO Interactive, the team behind the stylish and strategic Hitman trilogy, is creating a James Bond origin story. They’ve mastered that kind of action, and applying it to Bond’s beginnings feels natural. Fans can pre-order the Legacy Edition now to be ready for the game.
Preorders Available Now for Notable 2026 Releases Later in the Year
Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen (June 25, 2026)
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC, iOS/Android
If you’re a parent, you understand why a show like Bluey is so special. And if you’re not, just take our word for it: Bluey is one of the few kids’ shows that adults genuinely love too. Now, Bluey’s Quest for The Gold Pen looks like a high-quality video game that could be fun for the whole family – both players and those watching!
Fallout: New Vegas – 15th Anniversary Bundle (June 30, 2026)
Platforms: PC
This special edition is a real treat for longtime fans. With Fallout becoming increasingly popular again, the timing couldn’t be better. Many RPG players still consider New Vegas the best in the series, and this anniversary bundle – complete with improvements and collectible items – shows that Bethesda understands its value. It seems they know fans are eager to spend between $150 and $200 to relive those classic moments.
Buying Considerations for 2026 Preorders
Before you rush to preorder, take a moment to think about what you really want and need.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is quickly becoming a key choice for gamers. Several upcoming games, including Pokopia and Trails Beyond the Horizon, are being designed with Nintendo’s new handheld system in mind. When choosing a console, consider if you prioritize the best possible graphics and power (PlayStation 5 or Xbox) or the convenience of playing games anywhere (Switch 2).
Limited edition SteelBook and deluxe versions of games often sell out quickly. It’s going to be especially hard to find collector’s items for Resident Evil Requiem and Fatal Frame II after the games are released and people start posting reviews.
Amazon offers a price guarantee that makes preordering less risky. If the price goes down between when you order and when the item is released, you’ll automatically pay the lower price. Think of it as protection against regretting your purchase.
Bring on 2026!
As I said before, 2026 is shaping up to be an amazing year for games, with a lot of big releases happening early on – a trend we’re seeing more and more. January to March could easily fill your gaming schedule through the spring, and that’s before even considering games coming out later in the year. If you like to plan your game purchases ahead of time (and with so many great games coming, it’s a good idea!), it’s smart to preorder now.
If you’re interested in special editions, it’s best to grab them quickly for games you already know you’ll enjoy. Titles like Nioh 3, Resident Evil Requiem, and 007: First Light are likely to sell out of their premium versions fast. But for other games, you can afford to wait and see what reviewers and gameplay videos have to say before making a decision.
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2025-12-11 21:44